Inspector General of Police (IGP-Sindh), Kalim Imam in his directives issued Sunday has sought stringent implementation of contingency plan for security of Muharram congregations, particularly that of Nishtar Park and Hussainya Iranian imam bargah in Karachi.
Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of the region were asked to personally monitor the implementation of the plan on daily basis and ensure to keep themselves constantly in touch with the district level officials so as to avert any possible breach of security.
Meanwhile, Additional Inspector General of Police (Operations) in his report submitted to the IGP office mentioned that 69,545 officials have been deployed on security duty during Muharram and these include 1202 from traffic police department, 1339 from special branch and remaining from RRF and SRP reserve platoons.
Under Muharram Contingency and Deployment the AIGP informed the provincial police chief that special security covered is being provided to all the 1996 imam bargahs in the province. It was mentioned that permission has been procured for 14,699 majalis and for which needed security cover by police department is being ensured.
There will be 3513 mourning processions that would take place during the first 10 days of the current Islamic month along with 786 processions involving taazia. As for, range wise, police deployment the provincial police chief was informed that 17,558 cops would be on security duty in Karachi, 16,816 in Hyderabad,2237 in Mirpurkhas,9280 in Shaheed Benazirabad, 8268 in Sukkur and 15404 in Larkana respectively.
It was particularly mentioned that a plan has also been developed for urgent deployment of police force (during any emergency situation) in any part of the province. Monitoring was said to be ensured round the clock from Muharram 8-10 via close circuit cameras and that consequent directives would be issued through central command and control room being established at CPO as well as at the Civic Centre in Karachi.